AZUSA - A Gladstone High coach was criticized after he was caught Friday night making an obscene hand gesture during an intense and contentious football game between long-time rivals Azusa and Gladstone high schools.

Adam Ortega, a walk-on coach for Gladstone, was caught making an obscene hand gesture toward a crowd at Friday's game at Citrus College. Azusa High beat its foe in a 27-17 game in front of an estimated 5,000 fans.

Azusa High School principal John Steve Coke said he was surprised by Ortega's behavior and lack of good sportsmanship.

"I do recognize that in the heat of an intense game, as that game was, that sometimes our emotions get the better of us. We do things we would not normally do," Coke said. "This is where the rivalry is most focused and the games become quite intense for both the players and their coaches."

"But of the coaches that I know and have come across, none of them would ever do something like this under normal circumstances," he added. "I was rather surprised that it happened."

Gladstone High Principal Scott Magnusson did not return calls for comment. Jackie LaTrell, vice principal of the school's athletics and activities department, also did not return calls.

Azusa Unified District officials, citing personnel issues, said they could not comment on whether Ortega, who is not a teacher at the district, will face any disciplinary action for his behavior.

"Our staff serves as a

role model for students and inappropriate behavior is unacceptable," Azusa Unified School District Spokeswoman Kathy Miller said. "Good sportsmanship is important and that's our expectation of students and staff alike."

juliette.funes@sgvn.com

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